Communication Device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus may include an ear piece housing, an intelligent control disposed within the ear piece housing, and a transceiver disposed within the ear piece housing and operatively connected to the intelligent control. An apparatus may further include a microphone operatively connected to the intelligent control, a speaker operatively connected to the intelligent control, and a sensor operatively connected to the intelligent control. An apparatus is adapted to receive input from the microphone and/or the sensor and communicate the input through the transceiver to an electronic device in operative communication with the transceiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/967,415filed on Aug. 15, 2013 which is a Continuation of application Ser. No.11/761,850 filed Jun. 12, 2007, which is a Continuation-in-Part ofapplication Ser. No. 11/251,279 filed Oct. 14, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No.7,899,194 issued Mar. 1, 2011 and a Continuation-in-Part of applicationSer. No. 11/222,014 filed Sep. 8, 2005 which is a Continuation-in-Partof application Ser. No. 10/842,207 filed May 10, 2004, whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to communications, including voicecommunications, and other audio communications, such as those associatedwith phones, or entertainment devices, or other types of personalelectronic devices. Additional background in formation is present in thefollowing patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,790 to Boesen et al., entitled Voicetransmission apparatus with UWB; U.S. Pat. No. 7,209,569 to Boesen,entitled Earpiece with an inertial sensor; U.S. Pat. No. 7,203,331 toBoesen, entitled Voice communication device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,987,986 toBoesen, entitled Cellular telephone, personal digital assistant withdual lines for simultaneous use; U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,082 to Boesen,entitled Cellular telephone and personal digital assistant, U.S. Pat.No. 6,879,698 to Boesen, entitled Cellular telephone, personal digitalassistant with voice communication unit; U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,084,entitled Wireless physiological pressure sensor and transmitter withcapability of short range radio frequency transmissions; U.S. Pat. No.6,823,195 to Boesen, entitled Ultra short range communication withsensing device and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,485 to Boesen, entitledApparatus, method and system for ultra short range communication; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,694,180 to Boesen, entitled Wireless biopotentialsensing device and method with capability of short-range radio frequencytransmission and reception; U.S. Published Application No. 2003/0115068to Boesen, entitled Voice communication device with foreign languagetranslation; U.S. Published Application No. 2004/0160511 to Boesen,entitled Personal communications device.

One problem relates to the quality of audio available to a user.Numerous attempts have been made to provide high quality of audio tousers, whether in the context of music and videos for entertainment, orin the context of audio communications.

A seemingly unrelated problem exists with respect to handsfree devices.Numerous advantages are associated with handsfree devices which makethem desirable in various situations, including when they are used incombination with cell phones. In addition, the use of handsfree devicescan promote privacy, to some extent. Despite these well-recognizedadvantages and benefits of handsfree devices, problems remain. Due tothe discomfort of handsfree devices, and the need to hear environmentaldevices, handsfree devices to date have focused on reproducing sound inonly one ear.

Another problem relates to the control of multiple voice-controlled oraudio-linked devices. Although audio linkage or voice-control is growingin popularity, problems remain both in terms of the quality of audioprovided. With more prevalence in voice communication devices there mayalso be problems in directing voice or audio communications to aspecific device.

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to improve upon the state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto provide a voice communication system that provides for transducingand playing multi-channel audio using an earpiece.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide one or more earpieces capable of short range wirelesscommunications such as Bluetooth or UWB which may be used in providingstereophonic audio.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a voice communication system that provides forbinaural transducing and playing of audio

Yet a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention toprovide a voice communication system that provides for stereophonictransducing and playing of audio.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a voice transduction device using UWB/Bluetooth or other shortrange wireless technologies to communicate with a computer or otherdevice.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide for voice communication suitable for voice-to-text applications.

It is a further object feature, or advantage of the present invention isto provide for binaural, or stereophonic listening without the nuisanceof head phones or any linking material spanning the head from the rightearpiece to the left earpiece.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide for binaural orstereophonic listening with a handsfree device.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide for transducing, processing of, and playback of voice soundinformation.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to use a phone to control one or more earpieces.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to take into account head size of a user.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toallow for multiple output transducers in an earpiece.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide for tracking of a user's head movement.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is tointerpret head movement or head orientation of a user.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is tocommunicate information such as head movement or head orientation froman earpiece or headset to another device.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to communicate an alert such as may be associated with head movementindicative of a user falling sleep to another device such as a computeror radio.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is touse the speaker of an electronic device such as a cell phone incombination with one or more earpieces.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toallow audiometrics of an incoming signal to be modified according to auser's specific audiometric demands.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to communicate whether a signal is coming from a right earpiece or aleft earpiece.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio orvideo recording of an audio or video event that is convenient tolisteners.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio orvideo recording of an audio or video event that encourages sales of therecording, and therefore discourages unauthorized copying.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio or videorecording of an event that allows a listener to purchase the recordingof the event during, or shortly after the event associated with theaudio or video.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention toprovide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing recording of anevent that does not significantly distract the driver of a motorvehicle.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio orvideo recording of an event that provides for delivery of the recordingto the user.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionto provide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audio orvideo recording that does not require the listener to take notice of thename of the artist or name of the song.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention toprovide a method, apparatus, and system for purchasing an audiorecording that quantifies the relationship between an audio event andsales of audio recordings of the audio event.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a earpiece having one or more inertial sensors for sensingposition and/or movement.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an earpiece adapted to interpret position or movementinformation.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide an earpiece adapted to communicate position or movementinformation or interpretation of such information over a communicationslink.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent from the specification andclaims that follow. These objects, features, or advantages of thepresent invention do not limit the invention as the present inventioncan provide other features and advantages in different embodiments anddifferent contexts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention a system is provided.The system may include a personal electronic device having a housing andan ultra-wide band transceiver disposed within the housing. The systemmay also include a stereophonic system for sending audio information toa right ear and a left ear of a user, the stereophonic system having oneor more additional ultra-wideband transceivers. The ultra-widebandtransceiver of the personal electronic device and the additional linkedultra-wideband transceiver of the stereophonic system are adapted forproviding audio communications therebetween.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system may be provided.The system may include a plurality of personal electronic devices, eachincluding a housing and an ultra-wide band transceiver disposed withinthe housing. The earpiece includes an earpiece housing, at least oneinput sensor, a speaker, one or more additional ultra-wide bandtransceivers disposed within the earpiece housing, and a switch forswitching between the plurality of personal electronic devices. Theswitch may be implemented in software or hardware.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system includesan earpiece having a microphone, a speaker, and a first short rangetransceiver. The system also includes a plurality of electronic devices,each of the plurality of electronic devices having a second short rangetransceiver in communication with the first short range transceiver. Theearpiece is adapted for context driven selection between andcommunication with each of the plurality of electronic devices.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a cellularphone includes a phone housing, a cellular voice transceiver disposedwithin the phone housing, and at least one bone conduction sensoroperatively connected to the voice transceiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a personal electronic device worn by a personaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a representation of the earpiece of one embodiment of thepresent invention fitted on the ear.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of an earpiece of the presentinvention fitted within a right ear of a user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of an earpiece of the presentinvention fitted within a left ear of a user.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the inventionusing earpieces.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the inventionusing a headset.

FIGS. 9-10 provide a pictorial representation of one embodiment of aphone according to the present invention

FIG. 11 provides a pictorial representation of the phone of FIGS. 9-10with a user interface that allows the source of audio or video anddelivery preferences to be selected.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial representation of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is an overview of a system of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is graphical representation of one embodiment of selectionoptions according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an overview of a system of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a satellite system used in variousembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention forreceiving satellite transmissions.

FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention forreceiving satellite transmissions.

FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of a user interface according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a system of the present inventioninstalled on a rearview mirror of a vehicle.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 29 is a screen display for buying a media product.

FIGS. 30A-D illustrate one embodiment of a cell phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described as it applies to its preferredembodiments. It is not intended that the present invention be limited tothe described embodiments. It is intended that the invention cover allmodifications and alternatives which may be included within the spiritand scope of the invention. According to one aspect, the presentinvention provides for binaural and/or stereophonic sensing andreproduction of sound by sensing sounds within the external auditorycanal of a user and/or reproducing sounds, such as, but not limited to,stereophonic sounds within both external auditory canals of a user.

A general description of the present invention as well as a preferredembodiment has been set forth above. Those skilled in the art willrecognize and will be able to practice additional variations and themethods and devices described which fall within the teachings of thisinvention. Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemedto be within the scope of the invention which is to be limited only bythe claims appended hereto.

According to one aspect, the present invention includes a method andsystem for purchasing recordings of audio or video events. The presentinvention is described in terms of the preferred embodiments thatfollow.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides for a phonebeing used to collect identifying information about an audio or videoevent and to initiate a purchase of an audio or video recording of theaudio or video event. The present invention contemplates that thecollection of information and initiation of a purchase can be performedin any number of ways.

FIG. 1 shows a personal electronic device 2 associated with a person.The personal electronic device may be a phone, an entertainment device,or other type of personal electronic device or computer. The device asshown has a display 4. The device may be worn on a belt 6 as shown ormay be placed in a pocket or may be carried by the person. The personalelectronic device 2 is in operative communication with earpiece 10Aand/or earpiece 10B. As will be explained in further detail, thisconfiguration provides for the ability to collect and reproducestereophonic sound.

FIG. 2 shows a pictorial representation of one embodiment of oneearpiece 10 as worn in a person's ear. The earpiece has an external earcanal portion 12 which is fitted within the ear. The earpiece 10 has anear attachment portion 14 fitted around the ear. The earpiece 141 in itspreferred form houses a processor 16 and a transceiver 18. The earpiece10 also houses at least one sensor such as an air conduction sensor or abone conduction sensor and a speaker. The earpiece 10 corresponds to oneof earpiece 10A and earpiece 10B shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 discloses an example of the earpiece 10A of the present inventionhaving a housing 80A. The earpiece 10A is designed to be worn at theear. As shown in FIG. 3, an external canal portion 58A of the earpiece10A is positioned in the external auditory canal 76A of the user. Theexternal auditory canal portion of the earpiece preferentially includesa bone conduction sensor 60A and an air conduction sensor 62A located ona resilient member 78A. An internal antenna 54A is also shown. A speaker64A is also shown which is also preferably positioned within theexternal auditor canal 76A of the user. Note that the earpiece 10A ofthe preferred embodiment does not occlude or block the external auditorycanal 76A of the user. This feature increases the comfort of the user sothat the user can wear the earpiece for an extended period of time.Also, this feature is important in that it allows the user to also hearenvironmental sounds. These features are particularly important as theuser will be wearing two earpieces to provide for binaural orstereophonic communications. The earpiece may be programmed tocompensate for auditory deficits of the user providing amplification,gain or compression as necessary to fit the specific audiometricrequirements of the user. In addition, the earpiece may be programmed toaccommodate preferences of the user that are not based on the auditorydeficits of the user. There is a manual input such as a switch 56A shownthat can be used to set the earpiece as a right ear or a left ear.Instead of a hardware setting, the setting can be a software setting orswitch.

There may also be a switch 55A accessible to a user of the earpiece. Theswitch 55A where present, need not be in the location shown, what isshown is merely one possible location. The switch may be used to switchbetween devices. For example, where the earpiece 10A includes a shortrange transceiver such as a UWB transceiver, the earpiece 10A may beused with multiple devices. Thus, for example the earpiece 10A may beused to link with a phone, an entertainment device such as a musicplayer, a video player, a television, a radio, a computer, a printer, acamera, or other type of device. The switch 55A may be used to cyclebetween different available audio sources. In addition, where theearpiece 10A includes one or more input sensors such as the boneconduction sensor 60A or air conduction sensor 62A, the earpiece mayreceive voice commands for switching between different audiocommunications links. The audio communication links may be one-waycommunications link or two-way communications links where one or moreinput sensors are available in the earpiece 10A. The present inventioncontemplates that other switches could be used for additional functions.In addition, the earpiece may include one or more sensors such asinertial sensor 63A which may be used to determine head orientationand/or track head movement. The tracking of head orientation or headmovement may be used to provide additional contextual information. Forexample, where multiple audio/video sources are present, the user maypress a switch 55A to cycle between the different available sources. Thesources may be presented in the order that increases the likelihood thatthe user will find the desired source in the least amount of time. Inmaking such a determination, one variable that can be taken into accountis the head orientation or recent head movement. Sources associated withhead orientation or head movement may be presented first in the cycle.In addition, the order that the sources are presented may also take intoaccount the most recent sources of interest to the user or otherpatterns of usage of the user.

FIG. 4 discloses an example of an earpiece which is substantiallyidentical to earpiece 10A of FIG. 3 but is placed in the opposite ear ofthe same user. FIG. 4 discloses an example of the earpiece 10B of thepresent invention having a housing 80B. The earpiece 10B is designed tobe worn at the ear. As shown in FIG. 4, an external canal portion 58B ofthe earpiece 10B is positioned in the external auditory canal 76B of theuser. The external auditory canal portion of the earpiece includes abone conduction sensor 60B and an air conduction sensor 62B located on aresilient member 78B. An internal antenna 54B is also shown. A speaker64B is also shown which is also preferably positioned within theexternal auditory canal 76B of the user. In addition, the earpiece maybe programmed to accommodate preferences of the user that are not basedon the auditory deficits of the user. There is a manual input such as aswitch 56B shown that can be used to set the earpiece as a right car ora left ear. Instead of a hardware setting, the setting can be a softwaresetting or switch. The present invention contemplates that otherswitches could be used for additional functions. In addition, theearpiece may include one or more sensors such as inertial sensor 63Bwhich is may be used to determine head orientation and/or track headmovement. Other microphones placed in various positions on the bodymaybe also be able to accept external speech input for translationthrough the short rang linkage system or through the device 10B itself.Additional information regarding foreign language translation ispresented in U.S. Patent Application 2003/0115068, herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

There may also be a switch 55B accessible to a user of the earpiece. Theswitch 55B where present, need not be in the location shown, what isshown is merely one possible location. The switch may be used to switchbetween devices. For example, where the earpiece 10B includes a shortrange transceiver such as a UWB transceiver, the earpiece 10B may beused with multiple devices. Thus, for example the earpiece 10B may beused to link with a phone, an entertainment device such as a musicplayer, a video player, a television, a radio, a computer, a printer, acamera, a GPS unit, a network appliance, or other type of device. Theswitch 55B may be used to cycle between different available audiosources. In addition, where the earpiece 10B includes one or more inputsensors such as the bone conduction sensor 60B or air conduction sensor62B, the earpiece may receive voice commands for switching betweendifferent audio communications links. The audio communication links maybe one-way communications link or two-way communications links where oneor more input sensors are available in the earpiece 10B.

Where both earpieces 10A and 10 are used together, they may form astereophonic system. Where two earpieces are used together, only one ofthe two earpieces need have a switch 55A, 55B, where used to changebetween audio sources or channels or links. Instead of having a hardwareswitch, a software switch may also be used where one or more of theearpieces, or a headset have an input sensor and a processor and canprocess voice sound communications to determine voice commands.

FIG. 5 discloses an example of one methodology of the present invention.In the system 100 shown in FIG. 5, there is a first earpiece 102 and asecond earpiece 104, both earpieces associated with a first user. Theearpieces shown are of a completely-in-canal (CIC), although the presentinvention can be used with behind-the-ear (BTE) or other types ofearpieces. Preferably, the earpieces collect sound at or near theexternal auditory canal of the user and also reproduce sound at or nearthe external auditory canal of the user. The earpieces 102, 104 are inoperative communication with a personal electronic device such as aphone 106. Each of the earpieces 102, 104 communicates one or morechannels of audio information to the phone 106 and the phone 106 isadapted to communicate at least one channel of audio information to eachearpiece. Thus, when used together, the earpieces 102, 104 provide forcollecting stereophonic sound and reproducing stereophonic sound. Itshould also be appreciated that where stereophonic sound is not needed,only one of the earpieces may be used. Unless programmed specifically todo so, 102 and 104 will not communicate with phone 108, so that each setof earpieces only communicates with one phone at a time.

Each of the earpieces 102, 104 is preferably associated with aparticular ear of the user. The present invention contemplates that thisassociation can be made in a number of different ways. For example, eacheat-piece 102, 104 can communicate an identifier to state that it is theleft earpiece or a right earpiece as a part of a communicationsprotocol. Alternatively, each earpiece will only receive signalsassociated with its particular identity. The setting for each earpiececan be accomplished manually (such as a small switch located anywhere onthe housing) and/or through programming of the processor within eachearpiece. In addition, each earpiece may function alone in a monotonicmode. Such functionality may be useful where one earpiece loses batterypower. When each earpiece 102, 104 is associated with a particular earof a user, then processing can also be performed on incoming audiosignals to process the incoming audio signal according to the auditorycapabilities of a particular user such as may be associated with ahearing aid or according to their auditory preferences. It should alsobe understood that because the earpiece 102, 104 is a communicationsdevice, different types of processing can be performed based on thesource of the audio. For example, music received at the earpiece 102,104 may be processed differently than a telephone call. Or a telephonecall from one source may be processed differently than a telephone callfrom another source.

Because stereophonic sound is easily collected and reproduced at eachearpiece, the present invention provides for communicating thatstereophonic sound between users. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,stereophonic information can be communicated from phone 106 to a secondphone 108 associated with a different user. This stereophonicinformation can then be transmitted to a second set of earpieces 102A,104B, to provide stereo sound for the second user.

It should be understood that although FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a preferredembodiment where input sensors and a speaker are positioned directlywithin the external auditory canal of a user, this is not required.Instead the input sensors and speaker can be placed at or near theexternal auditory canal or proximate the external auditory canal. Thereis, however, some advantage in placement within the external auditorycanal in that such placement allows for a closer approximation ofbinaural audio where audio is sensed and played back within the externalauditory canal.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 6, a personal electronic device 200 is shown. Thepersonal electronic device 200 may be a personal communication device,such as a phone, a personal entertainment device, or other type ofpersonal electronic device or computer or other electronic device. Thepersonal electronic device has a short range transceiver 202 and anaudio source 204. The audio source 204 may be provided by a voicetransceiver for cellular communications, audio received from a stereotransmission associated with radio or television, or from audio createdbased on stored information. The short range transceiver 202 may be aBLUETOOTH, ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi or other type of short rangetransceiver.

The short range transceiver 202 of the personal electronic device 200 isin operative communication with short range transceiver 210 associatedwith a first earpiece and also associated with a speaker 212, an airconduction sensor 214, and an optional bone conduction sensor 216. Theshort range transceiver 202 of the personal electronic device 200 isalso, preferably in operative communication with a second short rangetransceiver 220 associated with a second earpiece and also associatedwith a speaker 222, air conduction sensor 224, and an optional boneconduction sensor 226. Each earpiece can adjust the incoming signal tofit or adapt to the audiometric needs of the user. This can includeauditory deficits of the user such as the type of processing typicallyperformed by various hearing aids. This can also include preferenceswhich can be set by the source or type of audio (such as but limited tomusic, audio accompanying video, audio associated with a phone call,audio associated with a phone call with a particular person, or othertype of audio).

FIG. 7 illustrates another use of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7 an environment 300 such as in a home is shown. The home includesa network with network nodes such as 302. A user is shown enjoyingthemselves as they rest on a recliner and wear an earpiece 10B whilewatching television 304. Note there is an image sensor 305 such as avideo camera built-into or otherwise associated with the television 304.Video imager acquired by the image sensor 305 may be used for videoconferencing purposes, or may be processed for other purposes, such as,but not limited to, determining location of the user. The earpiece 10Aand/or 10B provides audio sounds to the user. The present inventionprovides for audio from or associated with the television 304 to becommunicated through the network and be transmitted from the networknode 302 to the earpiece 10A and/or 10B. Thus the user can control theincoming sounds received at the earpiece to both, or alternatively, oneear. Multiple persons in the same room can be watching the sametelevision, but each have their earpiece set to different volumes orhave additional audio processing performed by their respective earpieceor earpieces to meet their own audiometric needs. Although in theembodiment shown, audio associated with the television is communicatedthrough the network node 302, audio could also be communicated directlyfrom the television with 304 with a short range transceiver. Other audiosuch as, but not limited to phone calls, can be transferred directly toearpiece 10A and/or 10B through node 302. Video may be transferred fromnode 302 to display 304, or alternatively through 10B. The presentinvention contemplates that contextual information about the television304 and/or the earpiece 10A and/or 10B may be used to assist inproviding the communications. For example, information about theposition of the earpiece 10 and information about the television 304 maybe used to determine that the television is on and the user is likelywatching the television. An incoming phone call may then be received. Aring tone transmitted to the earpiece 10B may be used to indicate thepresence of the incoming call. In addition, caller-id, videotransmission or related information may be displayed on the television304 identifying the caller or the number from which the caller iscalling or providing video transmission. The user may then press abutton or switch on the earpiece 10B to answer the call or issue a voicecommand to answer the call or ignore the call. A video camera or otherimage sensor 305 associated with set 304 could optionally locate theearpiece 10A/10B to provide for video calls. Proximity data to videolinkages may be provided by node 302.

FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8A showsdifferent types of devices that may include short range transceivers andbe audio sources or recipients of audio transmissions from one or bothof earpieces 102, 104. Preferably, two earpieces 102, 104 are used toprovide a stereophonic system. In the system 400 shown, there is acomputer 402, a printer 403, a portable entertainment device for audioand/or video 404, a GPS device 405, a camera 407, and a PDA 406, a candybar type phone 408, and a flip type phone 410, a slide phone 409, aglide/slide phone 411. Each of these devices or others may communicatewith one or both of earpieces 102, 104.

FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8A showsdifferent types of devices that may include short range transceivers andbe audio sources or recipients of audio transmissions from astereophonic system that includes a headset 103. In the system 401shown, there is a computer 402, a printer 403, a portable entertainmentdevice for audio and/or video 404, a GPS device 405, a camera 407, and aPDA 406, a candy bar type phone 408, and a flip type phone 410, a slidephone 409, a glide/slide 411 phone. Each of these devices or others maycommunicate with the headset 103. The headset 103 or one or both of theearpieces 102, 104 may include one or more bone conduction sensors inaddition to one or more air conduction sensors to assist in reducingambient noise or otherwise providing clearer voice signals.

In FIG. 9, a phone 700 is shown. The phone includes a phone housing 702.The phone also includes a first display area 704. There are a pluralityof buttons 706 shown, preferably configured as a dial pad. There is asecond plurality of buttons 708 also shown to provide for additionalfunctionality. This second plurality of buttons 708 preferably includesa “buy” button 520. The purpose of the buy button 520 is to initiate thepurchase of an audio recording. The buy button 520 is preferably ajoystick type button that allows the button 520 to be pressed upwardtowards top member 712, downward to bottom member 714, leftwardly toleft member 716, rilghtwardly to right member 718, as well as inwardlyto one or two states. The buy button 520 may also be a doubledetent-type button where pressing the button with one level of pressureindicates a first state while pressing the button with a greater levelof pressure indicates a second state.

In addition, the phone 700 may include one or more bone conductionsensors 701, 703. The bone conduction sensors 701, 703 are used to sensevibrations associated with the jaw bone, mastoid, or other bones of theuser to thereby pickup voice sound vibrations. The resulting signals maybe used to purify or filter sound to assist in eliminating ambient noisewhere desired and thereby improve the voice quality. The one or morebone conduction sensors 701, 703 may be located in various positions.The phone 700 may also include one or more air conduction sensors 709,711 which may placed in various positions.

FIG. 10 illustrates another type of phone, similar to the phone of FIG.9, but with an open, as opposed to closed, positioning capability. Thefirst body 722 is hinged to the second body 724 through a hinge 720. Asshown in FIG. 10, the phone includes a first body 722 and a second body724. There is also a second display 726 shown. The present invention isnot limited to the particular configuration of phone shown. The presentinvention contemplates numerous variations in the type of phone,including its physical configuration. One alternative embodiment is aphone with body 724 and one or more functions of the first body 722accessed through the display 726. The phone also includes one or morebone conduction sensors 705, 707 which may be used to provide signalsthat may be used for purifying or filtering sound to assist ineliminating ambient noise or other undesirable sound and thereby improvevoice quality. The one or more bone conduction sensors 705, 707 may belocated in various positions. One or more air conduction sensors 739,741 may be present and located in various positions. An addition display727 is also present. Alternatively the display 727 and the display 726may be formed of a single thin film display that extends across thehinge and is foldable.

FIG. 11 illustrates another phone embodiment with a screen 730 on thedisplay that allows the user to select the source of audio that the userwishes to purchase an audio recording of and the user's deliverypreference. The combination of the buttons and the screen form oneembodiment of a user interface. The display may be a touch-sensitivedisplay. The user can select the source of audio or video encounteredfrom the drop-down list box 732 and a delivery preference from thedrop-down list box 734. The present invention contemplates any number ofsources of audio can be used. These include sources of audio directlyassociated with the phone, such as an FM radio built-into the phone. Thesources of audio that can be used also include sources of audio forwhich the phone receives identifying information. For example, as willlater be discussed, the phone can receive identifying information foraudio associated with public performances, local broadcasts, satellitebroadcasts, other types of audio, or digital video. The identifyinginformation can be communicated to the phone through short rangetransmission, such as through Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH or UWB. Linkage to one ormore earpieces or a headset have already been discussed. In addition,the phone may include one or more bone conduction sensors 731, 733, 735,737 in addition to one or more air conduction sensors. The combinationof one or more bone conduction sensors and one or more air conductionsensors may be used to reduce ambient noise when sensing voice soundinformation of a user. For example, signals detected by an airconduction sensor but not having corresponding or related signalsdetected by a bone conduction sensor may be filtered out of the voicesignal. Of course other types of processing may be performed to utilizemultiple bone conduction and/or air conduction sensors to provide thebest voice signal.

In addition to specifying the particular source for the recording thatthe user wishes to purchase, the user can also select one of a number ofdelivery preferences. The delivery preferences are discussed herein inmore detail, but can include download to a hard drive MP3 downloads,digital media such as CDs, DVDs, or audio cassettes, or other types ofanalog media. The present invention is not limited to a particularmanner of delivery.

FIG. 11 also illustrates a “Confirm” button 736 which can be used toconfirm a purchase. The present invention contemplates that pressing thebuy button 520 once again can have the same effect as selecting“confirm.” Audio may be transmitted to one or more of the earpieces 102,104 or to headset 103 or through internal speaker systems.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In FIG. 12, a device 576 for producing audio or videois disclosed. The device 576 includes an audio and/or video source 578,a speaker 584, and a transmitter 564. The transmitter 564 transmitsidentifying information for the audio or video source 578 or identifyinginformation for the audio being played by the audio or video source 578.Such a device can be used in any number of environments. For example,such a device can be present at amusement parks, or historical areas, orother places of interest. In such a use, the audio or video source canplay an appropriate recording that may be of interest to a user. Thetransmission of identifying information allows a user to receive thatinformation and then purchase a recording of the audio or video beingplayed. Thus, it should be clear that the present invention contemplatesuse with any number of types of audio or video source and linkages toone or more earpieces or a headset.

In FIG. 12, a purchasing device 511 is also shown. The purchasing device511 can be a phone. The purchasing device 511 includes an intelligentcontrol 540. The intelligent control 540 is operatively connected to abuy button 520, a receiver 544, a display, and a communication channel548. The receiver 544 receives identifying information from thetransmitter 564 about an audio or video event. If a user desires to buya recording of the audio or video event, the user can initiate atransaction, with, the buy button 520 to purchase an audio or videorecording. The purchase can be transacted by sending appropriateinformation over the communication channel 548. Transmission to 102/104or 103 of the signal is shown. Speakers in the purchasing device 511 mayalso be used.

In FIG. 13, a satellite radio interface 510 is shown. The satelliteradio 510 is preferably capable of receiving XM or SIRIUS transmissions.The satellite radio 510 includes a display 512, a plurality of radiocontrols such as radio control buttons 514 which can define presetchannels and radio controls 516 and 518 which control channel andvolume, respectively. The present invention contemplates that numerousother types or variations of radio controls can be used. The presentinvention provides for communication between the satellite radio 510with the phone 700. Thus, a user can select the satellite radio as anaudio source and thereby purchase audio events being played by thesatellite radio. In such an embodiment, the satellite radio 510communicates identifying information for the radio event to the phone700. In this embodiment of FIG. 13, communication between the phone 700and the satellite radio 510 is wireless and preferably through a shortrange transmission such as through BLUETOOTH, UWB, WiMax.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention similar to that shownin FIG. 13. In FIG. 14, however, the satellite radio 510 includes a buybutton 520, but does not include its own two-way communication channel.In such an embodiment, the satellite radio 510 can be operativelyconnected to a phone 530 having a display 532 and a keypad 534 via awired connection. In such an embodiment, the present invention providesfor proper interaction between the satellite radio and the phone forcommunicating purchase information from the satellite radio 510, usingthe phone 530.

In FIG. 14, there is a buy button 520. The buy button. 520 isconveniently placed as a part of the satellite radio 510. Thus, alistener of the radio can simply press the BUY button 520 to purchase arecording of a currently playing audio event. A telephone 530 withdisplay 532 and keypad 534 is shown operatively connected to thesatellite radio 510. The present invention contemplates that thepurchase request can be transmitted over cellular or satellite network.When a request is made, audio event identifying information such aschannel or station as well as buyer identifying information istransmitted over the network so that the purchase can be made. Thepresent invention also contemplates that the purchaser may also need toverify the purchase through entering a code on the satellite radio orthe phone 530 at the time of the purchase or may otherwise need toverify the purchase prior to purchase and delivery. Although a satelliteradio and cellular telephone are shown, the present inventioncontemplates that other types of radios, phones, and other types ofcommunications channels can be used. A satellite radio is preferred fora number of reasons. First, a satellite radio is a part of a large anetwork as opposed to independent radio stations. This simplifies theprocess of resolving purchase requests. For example, only a time (insome instances a time and location) and channel information is needed inorder to determine the audio event associated with that particular time.Although the present invention contemplates other types oftransmissions, such as FM radio transmissions, satellite radio presentlyprovides an ideal platform for the present invention.

FIG. 15 provides a block diagram of one embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 15, a satellite radio 510 is shown. The satelliteradio 510 includes an intelligent control 540. The intelligent control540 can include a processor, microcontroller, microprocessor, integratedcircuit, or other type of intelligent control. Operatively connected tothe intelligent control 540 is a display 512 and a satellite receiver548 for receiving satellite radio signals. The satellite radio includesradio controls 550 which can be used for defining channel presets,changing volume, changing channels, and otherwise controlling radiofunctions. The buy button 520 is also operatively connected to theintelligent control 540. The buy button 5201 is considered to be a partof a user interface for purchasing a recording of an audio or videoevent. The present invention contemplates that instead of using buybutton 520, the user interface can provide for receipt of voice commandsto purchase a recording of an audio event or other types of userinterface can be used.

A communications interface 542 is also electrically connected to theintelligent control 540. The communication interface 542 allows acommunications channel 544 to be established. The communicationsinterface 542 allows the intelligent control 540 to communicate over acommunications channel 544 with a service that provides administrationfor purchase requests. The communications channel 544 can be a satellitelink or a cellular communications channel or can be another type ofcommunications channel, such as a SMS protocol channel that allows forthe sending and receiving of short text messages. The communicationschannel may also be a communications channel that is associated with amotor vehicle, such as ONSTAR. It is preferred that the communicationschannel be bidirectional so that verification of receipt of purchaserequests can be given or optionally, addition information can berequested. The type of communications channel used is in no way limitedto the specific types of communication channels described herein as oneskilled in the art will appreciate that a number of different types ofcommunications channels can be used and the decision of which type ofcommunication channels to use may be made based on a particularimplementation of the present invention in a particular environment.Preset information regarding financial information of the purchaser maybe stored and verified through confirmation pass codes stored with thesatellite or cellular user contract.

An optional GPS receiver 546 is also operatively connected to theintelligent control 540. When present, the GPS receiver 546 providesaccurate time and location information. Time and/or location informationfrom the GPS receiver can accompany a purchase request to help identifya requested audio event along with channel identifying information. Thepresent invention also contemplates that where satellite radio is used,the satellite radio transmissions includes identifying information forthe audio or video event and that this identifying information canaccompany a purchase request. In addition, updating of maps and otherinformation associated with a navigation may be performed andappropriately billed for.

A storage device 549 is also operatively connected to the intelligentcontrol 540. The storage device 549 is preferably a magnetic or solidstate memory, such as a hard drive or a FLASH drive. The presentinvention, however, is not limited to the particular type of memory orstorage device used. One of the advantages of having a storage device549 is that music can be downloaded directly to the storage device 549for future enjoyment. When music is ordered, a preference can be set todirectly download the music to a storage device 549 associated withinthe vehicle so that the music will always be available to the driver ofthe vehicle.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.16, a device 562 has a housing 561 that houses both a satellite radioand a voice communications transceiver. In FIG. 16, the device includesa display 512 with radio controls 514 and a buy button 520. A telephonekeypad 560 is also shown. Alternatively, the voice communicationstransceiver, instead of being integrated with the satellite radio, canbe interfaced to the satellite radio through a cable or operativelyconnected through BLUETOOTH, UWB, infrared, or other types of shortrange wireless transceivers. GPS and other video information can bedisplayed on display 512.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.17, a device 580 includes a satellite radio 586, a short rangetransceiver 582, and an optional local determination unit 584. The shortrange transceiver can be a BLUETOOTH transceiver, a UWB transceiver, orother type of short range transceiver. The optional locationdetermination unit 584 can be a GPS unit or other type of locationdevice. The short range transceiver 582 is in operative communicationwith a short range transceiver 572 associated with a communicationsdevice 570. The communications device 570 also includes a voicetransceiver 574. Preferably the communications device 570 is a phone orsmart phone, but the present invention contemplates that other types ofcommunications devices can be used. The link between the short rangetransceiver 572 of the communication device 570 and the short rangetransceiver 582 of the device 580 allows purchasing requests andpurchase verification information concerning audio events played by thesatellite radio 586 to be communicated over a communications channelssuch as that provided by voice transceiver 574.

The present invention contemplates that the devices 580 can be housedwithin a vehicle, including being housed within a dashboard of a car.The device 580 can also include a storage device 585. The storage device585 is a memory such as a magnetic memory, a hard drive, a flash drive,or an optical drive. The present invention contemplates that works suchas songs or video can be stored directly on the storage device 585 sothat a listener can order a selection being played on their satelliteradio 586 and have the selection delivered to the storage device 585.

FIG. 18 provides an overview of one embodiment of the system of thepresent invention. In FIG. 18 a system 600 is shown. A motor vehicle 602includes a satellite radio 604. A communications channel interface 606is operatively connected to the satellite radio 604. A purchase requestis made over the communications channel to a communications network 608.Optionally the communications network can send verification requests oroptions requests to the communication channel interface 606. Thecommunications network 608 is also operatively connected with apurchasing agent 610 which can include humans, computers, software, andcombinations of computers and software. The purchasing agent 610 canaccess a database of audio or events 612. Thus, when given properidentifying information about an audio or video event—such as theidentifying information included in a purchase request, the purchasingagent can determine additional information about the audio or videoevent.

A user interface for review of selections 614 is optionally provided.The present invention contemplates that instead of buying a selectionimmediately, the user can instead place the information concerning aparticular audio event into a shopping cart or otherwise flag the audioor video event for potential purchase. The user can then later reviewthese selections to determine if the user wishes to purchase theparticular selections. Once a user selects the audio or video events topurchases, a fulfillment agent 616 which may be automated in whole or inpart provides for fulfillment of the purchases. The present inventioncontemplates that the audio events can be recorded onto digital mediasuch as a CD or DVD 618 (or other digital media). Alternatively, theaudio events can be made available to a user as downloads 620 or can besent, such as attachments to an email 622 that is sent to the user orother recipient. Of course, the present invention contemplates thatdelivery may be made in any number of forms, whether electronic orphysical.

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a user interface for review ofselections. The present invention contemplates that a user can reviewthe selections they have made prior to purchase or set other purchasingoptions. These selection options can be accessed in any number of ways,including being reviewed online on a web page or a wireless web page.These selection options can include credit card or account informationas well as information about each audio event that has been selected.Examples of the type of audio event information can include a categoryof music 654, a name 656 of a song, the name of an artist 658, thechannel 660 on which the song was played, and a time 662 that the songwas played or the time the song was selected. In addition, a price 664for a recording of the music event can also be displayed.

The user can also make selections regarding how the recordings of themusic events should be delivered. For example, the present inventioncontemplates that the user can have each song delivered on a separatepiece of digital media. Alternatively, the user can group one or moreselections on a piece of digital media such as a CD or DVD by selectionoption 666. Alternatively, the user can have one or more selectionsdelivered via email or otherwise by selecting option 668. The presentinvention also contemplates that the selections can be automaticallydownload to a memory, such as a hard drive associated with a computer ora phone, or a satellite receiver by selecting a send as download to harddrive or other storage medium option 669. Then the user can finalize theorder by selecting the order button 670.

The present invention contemplates that the user can preset theseselections so that the user need not review this information. The usercan, for example, set preferences such that every time a buy button ispressed the audio event is delivered as a CD or DVD or delivered as anMP3 to email. The present invention is flexible in this regard andcontemplates numerous variations that would accommodate the preferencesof a particular user.

It is preferred, that when the purchasing device is phone, that there besimple presets within the phone so that one need not even review anyinformation after initiating a purchase. Instead, the purchaseautomatically occurs, and delivery is made, according to the user'spresets.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a system 749 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 20, a user 740 is shown. The user 740 is in proximityto one or more audio or video sources. The audio or video sourcesproduce audio or video of interest to the user 740. The user indicatestheir desire to purchase a recording of an audio or video event. Theidentifying information for the audio or video event and deliveryinformation is then transmitted trough a communications link 752 to afulfillment center 754. The fulfillment center then provides fordelivery according to the user's preferences. The present inventioncontemplates that delivery can be performed in any number of ways. Forexample, the delivery can be electronic delivery to phone memory 756,electronic delivery to an email account 758 associated with the user, orphysical delivery of a hard copy media 760, such as, but not limited toa CD-ROM, DVD, or tape. The electronic delivery can also be electronicdelivery to a storage device 755, such as a hard drive, associated witha vehicle.

As indicated in FIG. 20 the present invention is not limited to anyparticular type of audio or video source. For example, the audio sourcecan be a broadcast 762, such as associated with a radio or videobroadcast. Alternatively, the audio source can be a public performance764. For example, a user can request an audio recording of an audiotrack for a song at a movie or concert or a video recording of theevent. Alternatively, the audio or video source can be a local broadcast766 such as may be confined to a local vicinity, such as music playingat an amusement park, or in a historical district that a user finds ofinterest.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present inventionprovides benefits and advantages beyond those that most directly affecta user of the system. For example, each purchase (or selection forpotential purchase) of a music event is directly tied to a channel and atime. Therefore, recording each request and each purchase providesvaluable data for the purchasing agent. This data can be used todetermine relationships between time of day and purchasing, particularchannels and purchasing, and particular music events, and purchasing.This data can then be used to determine which music (or other audioevent) to play at what time in order to increase purchases of thatmusic. Also, this data can provide some insight into which music orother audio or video event is not of particular interest and which musicor other audio or video event is. Thus, each purchase request can berecorded for later data analysis. This data analysis can be used torecommend particular artists, songs, performances, videos, channels, orother products or services of potential interests to the user.Therefore, the user or purchaser of a recording of an audio or videoevent will not be the only one who can benefit from the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 illustrates communications in a satellite system 800. In FIG.21, a satellite system including at least one satellite 802 is incommunication with a satellite receiver 548. The present inventioncontemplates that the satellite 802 can be adapted for communication ofdifferent types of information, including audio and/or videotransmissions. A communications channel 544 is operatively connected tothe satellite receiver 548. The present invention contemplates that anearpiece or headset may include the satellite receiver 548.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a system 810 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 22, a communication channel 544 is shown. Thecommunication channel 544 is operatively connected to an intelligentcontrol 540. The intelligent control is operatively connected to storage549. The storage 549 can be a hard drive, a solid state memory, amagnetic memory, or other type of storage device. The intelligentcontrol 540 is also operatively connected to an interface system 811.The interface system 811 includes a link to satellite 812 and a link toan audio or audio-visual system 813. The communication channel 544 canbe a cellular communication channel. The link to satellite 812 can be alink to a satellite receiver. The link to AV system 813 can be a link toa vehicle entertainment system.

FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of a system 860 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 23, a satellite 802 is shown. There is a link 812 tothe satellite 802. The link 812 may be a link to a satellite receiver.The link 812 is operatively connected to an intelligent control 540which may be a computer, processor, microcontroller, or other type ofintelligent control. The intelligent control 540 is also operativelyconnected to an audio-visual system 813 which may include speakersand/or a video display. The AV system may be of a kind typicallyassociated with a vehicle such as a car or a plane. Alternatively, theAV system may be of a type associated with a home entertainment system.The AV system may include one or more speakers, video displays, andrelated equipment. The communication channel 544 is in operativecommunication with a communication channel interface 862. Thecommunication channel 544 is preferably a wireless communication channelsuch as that associated with a cellular phone, however, thecommunication channel 544 may be of other types. The communicationchannel interface 862 is operatively connected to a server 864 which isoperatively connected to a recording database 866. Thus, for example, auser can access a satellite radio or satellite television system. If theuser finds a transmission of interest, the user can request that thetransmission be purchased as a recording and in then the recording canbe delivered from the recording database 866 or other location to theuser. The recording can be delivered electronically to the communicationchannel 544, electronically through other means (such as over ahigh-speed Internet connection), delivered on a physical storage mediumsuch as a CD, DVD, solid state memory, or otherwise.

FIG. 24 illustrates a representation of a screen display 830 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 24, a recordingmanager software is executed on a computing device. The recordingmanager allows one to store and organize recordings. The recordings canbe audio recordings, video recordings, or other types of recordings. Asshown in FIG. 24, recordings can be organized into archived recordings832 through the use of file folders or another filing or organizationsystem. “MY RECORDINGS” 836 is shown has a file holder which includes a“CATEGORY 1” 838 and a “CATEGORY 2” 840 sub folders. Within “CATEGORY 1”subfolder 838 are recordings 842, 844, 846. Within “CATEGORY 2”subfolder 840 and recordings 848, 850, and 852. Note that the screendisplay 830 also provides for organizing recordings which have beenmarked for purchase but have not yet been purchased or recordings thathave been purchased. For example, recordings 834 can be associated withtransmissions heard over a satellite radio system or a satellitetelevisions system. One way of organizing these transmissions is to havea separate folder for each channel or station. For example, a firstfolder 854 is associated with a first channel and a second folder 856 isassociated with a second channel. This allows one to keep recordingsorganized. For example, if the recordings are songs, then the user mayalready associate one of the channels with blues music and anotherchannel with jazz music. Organizing music recordings based on thechannels where the music was first heard provides a convenient methodfor organization.

FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention adaptedfor use in a vehicle. In FIG. 25, rear view mirror 900 hangs fromsupport structure 904. The rear view mirror has a mirror surface 902 anda user interface panel. The user interface panel includes conventionalmanual inputs 906 as may be associated with an ONSTAR system or othervehicle navigation system, including buttons 908, 910, 912, and 914. Inaddition, there is a buy button 916. The buy button 916 allows a user topurchase a product or service. The buy button 916 is preferably adaptedto communicate over a communication system associated with ONSTAR orother vehicle safety and security system or telematics system. The buybutton 916 need not be located on the mirror, but may be located on aconsole or elsewhere.

As shown in FIG. 26, a telematics system 920, such as associated withthe manual inputs 906 of FIG. 25, is operatively connected to an audioreceiver 924, such as a satellite radio receiver. Preferably, the audioor video receiver 924 is a satellite radio receiver that can communicatechannel information to the telematics system 920. A device interface 922is operatively connected to the telematics system 920 and a personaldevice 926 via a connection 928. The connection 928 may be a wirelessconnection. Thus, for example, a user can plug (or otherwise connect) aportable MP3 player device or phone into their vehicle's telematicssystem 920. The user can use the telematics system 920 to communicatepurchase decisions over the telematics system 920. Where the servicesare audio and/or video recordings, the services can be delivered to thepersonal device 926. The present invention contemplates other types ofservices may also be communicated. Linkages to a wireless earpiece orheadset have been previously discussed.

FIG. 27 illustrates one embodiment of the methodology of a system suchas that presented in FIGS. 25 and 26 or variations on such a system. Instep 930, a request is initiated to make a purchase. Preferably therequest is initiated through use of the buy now button of a telematicsystem. Alternatively, the request can be initiated through a request toa telematic operator or through a personal device operatively connectedto a telematic system. As shown in step 932, where the request is for arecording, a determination is made as to information necessary toidentify the request. The request can include vehicle, location, vehicletime, channel selection, and whether the request is through a personaldevice. For example, if the request is a request for a recording of asong being played over a satellite radio and the request is made duringthe song, then knowing the channel selection is sufficient informationto identify the song. If the request is associated with a FM radio, thenknowledge of time and channel is enough information to identifyinformation. The present invention further contemplates that the requestcan be made in response to a radio advertisement for a product. Or therequest can be made in response to a billboard advertisement for aproduct in which case vehicle location would be required to identify therequest. Where more than one possible request exists for a location, theuser can be prompted contemporaneously or after the fact for to selectfrom a list of potential selections. Where the request is made through apersonal device, the communications channel associated with the personaldevice can be used, but the personal device can access channelinformation, location information, or other information from the radioreceiver and telematics system.

FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment of a system 950 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 28, an intelligent control 952 is operativelyconnected to an interface 956. A buy button 960 is operatively connectedto the intelligent control. A clock 958 is operatively connected to theintelligent control. A storage device 962 is operatively connected tothe intelligent control 952. A radio receiver 954 is operativelyconnected to the intelligent control and a speaker 964 is operativelyconnected to one or more of the radio receiver 954 and the intelligentcontrol 952. The system 950 is one embodiment of a system that can beused within a vehicle. The interface 956 is a communications interfacewhich can be implemented through cellular communications, through acommunications channel of a separate personal device, through atelematics communication channel or otherwise including throughBluetooth, UWB, or otherwise.

FIG. 29 is one embodiment of a screen display 970 which can be displayedon a personal device such as a phone. The screen display 970 provides amedia buy list that allows a user to select one or more media purchasesbased on recent requests. A user can check or un-check variousselections. In addition, the user can specify the manner of the deliverythrough options 974. The purchases can be delivered via download to oneor more different file formats or the purchases can be placed onphysical media and delivered. The present invention contemplatesnumerous variations in the type of delivery options which may, in part,be based on the type of purchase. In addition to purchases, samples canbe accessed or delivered for no cost.

The present invention provides for a personal device such as a cellphone to be used for other types of purchases as well. FIGS. 30A through30D illustrate a cell phone 1000 adapted for different types of productsor services. As shown in FIG. 30A, phone 1000 has a first body 1002 anda second body 1004 which are operatively connected. There a display 1008on the outside of the cell phone 1000. In addition, a video camera 1006for taking still shots or video is incorporated into the phone 1000. InFIG. 30B, a second screen 1010 is shown with a screen display 1012. Thescreen display 1012 shows a set of photos 1014 which have been takenwith the phone 1000. The software allows a user to select a service 1016associated with the photos, delivery options 1018, if appropriate, and aselection 1020 to initiate purchase. The button 1020 is labeled as“Send”, however, this button, where present, may also be labeled “buy”where appropriate. The present invention contemplates that somepurchases may be without cost, such as those providing samples orprovided as a part of a promotion, or otherwise. Upon purchase, photosstored on the phone are communicated over a cellular network forprocessing. This is highly advantageous to a user because it allows auser to have their photos physically delivered or available for pick upon CD, or in prints of one or more sizes.

FIG. 30C illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. On thedisplay 1010 of the phone 1000 are audio selections 1030 such as thoserecorded with a voice recorder associated with the cell phone. Theservice options 1032 include merely storage of the voice recordings,translation of the voice recording, or other types of service. Thedelivery options 1034 include via voicemail, real-time to the phone, oremail if translation service is desired, via CD or DVD if a physicalservice is desired. Of course, where the phone 1000 is associated withone or more earpieces or headsets, audio signals may be sent to speakersassociated with the one or more earpieces or headsets instead of beingoutput on one or more speakers of the phone 1000.

FIG. 30D illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 30D, different video selections 1033 are available. Theservice or deliver options 1024 include delivery on a DVD, Video-CD,download, email or other types of options.

The present invention contemplates numerous additions, alternatives, andoptions. That which has been disclosed is merely exemplary. The presentinvention is not to be limited to or by the specific embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an ear piece housing; anintelligent control disposed within the ear piece housing; a transceiverdisposed within the ear piece housing and operatively connected to theintelligent control; a microphone operatively connected to theintelligent control; a speaker operatively connected to the intelligentcontrol; a sensor operatively connected to the intelligent control;wherein the intelligent control is configured to receive input from themicrophone and/or the sensor and communicate the input through thetransceiver to an electronic device in operative communication with thetransceiver.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensor is aninertial sensor and wherein the input comprises movement detected usingthe inertial sensor.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the input isaudio input from the microphone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein theaudio input is voice input.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesensor is a temperature sensor.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesensor is a pulse oximeter.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelectronic device is a computer.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelectronic device is a phone.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelectronic device is a vehicle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelectronic device is an entertainment device.
 11. The apparatus of claim1 wherein the electronic device is a television.
 12. An apparatuscomprising: a housing configured as a headset having a left ear portionand a right ear portion and a central portion spanning between the leftear portion and the right ear portion; an intelligent control disposedwithin the housing; a transceiver disposed within the housing andoperatively connected to the intelligent control; a microphoneoperatively connected to the intelligent control; a speaker operativelyconnected to the intelligent control; a sensor operatively connected tothe intelligent control; wherein the intelligent control is configuredto receive input from the microphone and/or the sensor and communicatethe input through the transceiver to an electronic device in operativecommunication with the transceiver.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12wherein the sensor is an inertial sensor and wherein the input comprisesmovement detected using the inertial sensor.
 14. The apparatus of claim12 wherein the input is audio input from the microphone.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein the audio input is voice input.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor. 17.The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sensor is a pulse oximeter. 18.The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electronic device is a computer.19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electronic device is a phone.20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electronic device is avehicle.
 21. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electronic device isan entertainment device.
 22. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein theelectronic device is a television.